VALENCIA, Spain.

Only
very special architects become eponymous with cities where they have held
significant influence:- Robert Adam's Bath, Gaudi's Barcelona, Mackintosh's
Glasgow, Haussmann's Paris. Even
in a generation of spin it is unusual for contemporary architects to be
identified with one city. Yet Calatrava's Valencia acknowledges both his
birthplace and his huge contribution in creating a world class destination.

Following
flooding (1957) the River Turia was diverted around Valencia. The river bed
quickly formed a tranquil garden. In 1989 Joan Lerma, President of the
Principality championed a local Professor's idea to create a "city of arts
and sciences" within this river basin.

In
the mid 1970's Town Planning was still the second degree of choice for most
graduate architects. Santiago Calatrava preferred to follow his studies with a
course in engineering in Switzerland. This denotes his scientific interest but
Calatrava is also a committed and capable architect artist, painter and
sculptor. His profound understanding of engineering, mathematics, sculpture and
art has brought renowned for creating uncompromisingly modern buildings -often
with anatomical derivations.

Calatrava's
sinuous communication tower at Barcelona Olympics was applauded In 1992, and in
the same year he achieved acclaim in north America for the cathedral like
‘Allen Lambert Galleria’ in Toronto. International recognition made him an
obvious choice as architect for Valencia's audacious regeneration plan.

Working
with Felix Candela on 'L’Oceanografic'
a dynamic contrast to the historic City became immediately obvious. Deep
tanks and landscaped lakes are well suited to the dried out river bed site.
Like an iceberg most of the volume lies below the surface. Delicate hyperbolic
paraboloid roofs, soaring curves and a lacy geodesic dome announce surface
zones and entrances to the substantial subterranean facilities.

The
complex opened in 1998 with “L’Hemisferic” - a real eye opener. Glazed side
walls open like eye lids revealing a central spherical IMAX theatre. The
adjacent white ribbed Science Museum provides vast bright exhibition halls and
educational spaces on many levels. Cleverly concealed coach and car parking is
contained beneath the elegant open "Umbracle". This soaring structure
was designed for indigenous plants and sculptures - including one by Yoko Ono -
as an attractive public promenade. It is now closed off as a 'disco' venue -
presumably generating income.

Throughout
the site serene blue lagoons compliment spectacular structures giving
photo-friendly viewpoints everywhere. An otherworldly appearance conceals
extremely refined design and circulation. Buildings and landscape effortlessly
handle huge numbers of visitors without stress. Grinning groups record
themselves with phones held high - or low - against this surreal and exciting
place.

Architects
armed with intellectual justifications for unpopular modernist buildings have
no place here. This architecture - and architect - is popular and appreciated by
all ages. Children see buildings with ears - and snouts, teenagers enjoy space
to rumble, adults find serenity even contemplation amid a charismatic
architectural environment.